Beacon Scholarships 2021 for African Secondary School Students to Study in UK

Up to six new scholarships are available each academic year for secondary schooling. Candidates are eligible at any age between 13 to 18 years, and must first be Nominated by their current School Head. They will then be invited to apply for a Beacon Scholarship for Schools. Finally, they must obtain admission to a Beacon Partner School and be evaluated by The Beacon Equity Trust for evidence of academic ability, leadership potential, being a ‘Change-maker’, and financial need.

Application Deadline: 31st January 2021

Eligible Countries: For secondary school candidates from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to Beacon Partner Schools.

To be Taken at (Country): UK

About the Award: In order for their child to qualify for a Beacon Scholarship, Parents/Guardians/Sponsors must demonstrate financial need and undertake full and complete financial disclosure.

Parents/Guardians/Sponsors must be committed both financially and educationally for their child to complete their secondary education as a Beacon Scholar. The Beacon Scholarship for Schools is designed as a ‘Joint Venture’ between The Beacon Equity Trust, the Beacon School, and the Beacon Scholar’s family. It is aimed at Parents/Guardians/Sponsors who can demonstrate financial need but are able to fund at least one third of the tuition fees (and boarding fees where applicable) for a Beacon Scholar. Families unable to fund their annual one-third share of fees should not apply. Please research fee levels of Beacon Partner Schools.

Type: Secondary School

Eligibility: Factors to be taken into account include:

• Age – to be considered for the Beacon Scholarship for Schools is 13-18 years
• Integration potential (which necessarily involves consideration of the applicant’s competence in English)
• The applicant must be a national of, and ordinarily resident in, Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda
• Financial need – see below
• The likely contribution of the applicant to other areas of school life
• Commitment to make a contribution to the development of their home country

Selection Criteria: Applicants will need to demonstrate:

(a) Academic Excellence

Reports from the applicant’s school are required as well as a personal recommendation from the Head. As a general guide, grades should be in the top decile (10%) of performance in an applicant’s age or peer group.

(b) Achievement in Sport, Music or Drama

An applicant must demonstrate that they are more than just an active participant in sport, music or drama, with some formal level of proficiency or accreditation.

(c) Social Influence and Communication

The applicant must have held a position of responsibility in their school, or failing that provide some evidence of confidence amongst peers. They will be required to undergo an interview which will give an indication of their aptitude and personality traits, and to participate in practical assessment exercises to establish their ability to form and develop relationships among peers.

(d) Citizenship

An applicant must show through examples that they have helped those less fortunate than themselves, or have done work in the community, and are seen as role models. Unselfishness, kindness and concern for others are key criteria for The Beacon Scholarship and Scholars will be required to show continuing evidence of their efforts in these areas.

(e) ‘Change-maker‘

Applicants will also need to demonstrate, with examples, that they are a ‘Change-maker’, i.e. that:

1. They have the capacity to ‘take people with them’ and

2. They are already making a difference now, not at some future point in time

Number of Awards: 6

Value of Award: The award of a Beacon Scholarship is for up to two–thirds of tuition fees (including boarding where applicable, and excluding extras). The Beacon Equity Trust will pay one-third and the Beacon Partner School will pay one-third. Parents/Guardians/Sponsors are expected to cover additional costs such as the payment of any school deposits and levies, school clothes, transport and extras such as school excursions and extra-curricular activities (eg music lessons).

How to Apply: To begin the process of application for a Beacon Scholarship, a candidate must first register and download a Nomination Form to be completed and submitted by the Head of their current school.

PLEASE NOTE: a Nomination is not a full application. Once a Nomination Form is received for a candidate there will be a review of their suitability for a Beacon Scholarship for Schools. If they are deemed to be suitable, candidates will then be invited to complete a full Application Form.

• It is important to go through all application requirements in the Award Webpage (see Link below) before applying.
• GOODLUCK

Visit Award Webpage for Details